The Missions: California Heritage Mission San Gabriel Arcangel Book Review

In this book by Mary Null Buoule`, book four in a series of twenty-one, the author provides you with a short 25 page brief history of the missions. The book includes a glossary of terms, several sketches, an outline of the book, and how to get more information on the San Gabriel Mission by sending the Mission a self-addressed envelope with stamp envelope. I rarely see this done in books. I enjoyed this short presentation of facts about the mission. I also like the layout of it. She is very clear on its purpose starting with "Dear Reader" section. It is clear that she wrote this book not only to gather information but how to write it down. The outline was specifically designed to help young readers write their report. I can remember my personal struggles with starting a report back in the day. So providing an outline helps with the process. I definitely recommend this book for 4th grade and above.

Native Ways : California Indian Stories And Memories Book Review

Native Ways was edited by Malcolm Margolin and Yolanda Montijo and published by Heyday Books in Berkeley,California. Copyrighted 1995. With only 116 pages, this book would be great for ages 9 and up. Plenty of pictures, sketches, and a map of the tribes in California. I like that it incorporates all of California tribes giving information on a few here and there. I have studied Chumash,Cahuilla,Serrano,Gabriello/Tongva,and Cupeno. But I know very little on the Northern and Central California tribes. There's some really cool stories in this book as well. It is easy very easy to read. It's focused on all aspects of life for Native Americans from foods they have in common and how chiefs are chosen,how they hunted,how different tribes built their boats for the ocean or rivers, trading, status of wealth,their beliefs, skills and art. As well as some history on the missions and a brief present day history. This is another book I plan to add to my personal library of historical books of California. Yes, I specialize in California history,but generally love to see how all history ties together.

Review of The Forgotten Schoolhouse by Suzanne Jurman

I was mystified by the suspenseful title, The Forgotten Schoolhouse:, while waiting to check out books at the library. As I read this dramatic, engaging story, I was captivated by the action and the character of Prudence Crandall. In the 1830s, in the town of Canterbury, Connecticut, when women could not vote and had few rights. Here was a woman that stood up for others and made Supporters with others of similar beliefs for justice and a strong family to back her up even at the cost of possible death or injury to their livelihood and occupations. This story is not just about the right and wrong about the injustice of African American girls,but the happenings of the time,the mindsets of people,the strategy to keep going against all odds: strength and courage of women,men,and African American girls wanting education. I liked the short chapters, the pictures of the people and buildings of the time, what happened to the girls, Prudence, her family, and what changed because of Prudence. This story tells many things and I especially liked to know what the 1800s were like for women. This book is a great book to be used in school to teach our kids about history. I give it 5 Stars. Well Written. Nonfiction

Review of "A Christmas Promise" by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

I finished this book in December during Christmas break. I really liked the characters in the story. They were authentic and brought to life with their dialogue and simple descriptions. I liked the way the authors weaved in and out of the story with three main sets of characters in the small town of Cape Light. The only part I did not like was when I was reading and the wrong character suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I reread the paragraphs and it was an obvious mistake. One of the mistakes was between Jessica and Sam and suddenly Leigh was brought in. Then nothing. It was on page 162 I believe. Not sure. It was definitely in the 100s though. Good story. enjoyed the drama. Looking forward to reading more books in the Cape Light series.

My New ebook: Medical Resorts of Southern California

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018BPC0OO Nonfiction historical account of Medical Resorts and Hot Springs in Southern California. Lake Elsinore's Crescent Bathhouse (Upright Picture)

Desert Hot Springs turned into a community.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed, a Book Review

All I can say about this book is : DRAMA, DRAMA,& MORE DRAMA. Suspense. Surprises. Resupply boxes. Peaks, boots, pain, and persistence. Reading her story was hard to put down. She exposes things in her life both shocking to admit for most people as well as very personal. I was not use to such honesty in a book. I enjoyed her descriptions of every place she stopped and how she brought out the emotional part of long distance hiking. Having never hiked long distances before, I became more intrigued after reading, A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking with Cheryl through the Pacific Crest Trail(PCT), I learned quite a few things more about hiking. The experience between men hiking and women hiking is different. Hitch hiking is harder for men then women. Cheryl ran into more people offering anything from cheap lodging to free food. The PCT was basically tent camping, no shelters like the Appalachian Trail (AT). She was hiking alone. A scary thought to me, but admirable. It takes a lot of courage to do what she did. I was dreading to finish this book just as Cheryl was not looking forward to leaving the trail at the Bridge of the Gods. The only thing I would have liked was a better ending with more about what she did once she got back to Portland. She gives a short review of the events, but I would have liked to see how she acclimated back to life. The ending is a little disappointing.

This is the Appalachian trail. Just an FYI. If you want to see a cool Youtube video on Appalachian Trail follow Red Beard.